The Rules of Handball (Team Handball or Olympic Handball) - EXPLAINED!

Handball Rules Explained

Overview of Handball

• Handball, also known as Team Handball or Olympic Handball, combines elements from basketball, soccer, and ice hockey.

• The game features two teams of 14 players, with 7 on the court at any time: one goalkeeper and six field players.

• The primary objective is to score more goals than the opposing team.

Scoring and Court Dimensions

• A goal is scored when a player throws the ball into a goal measuring 3m wide by 2m high; the entire ball must cross the goal line.

• Players must avoid stepping into a designated crease (6m radius around the goal) for their goals to count.

• The playing area measures 40m x 20m.

Game Play Mechanics

• After winning a coin toss, teams start with a throw-off; players can hold the ball for no more than three seconds or take more than three steps without dribbling.

• If passive play occurs (no attempt to shoot), possession is awarded to the opposing team. Defenders can block shots but cannot pull or push attacking players.

Match Structure and Overtime Rules

• Matches consist of two halves lasting 30 minutes each; if tied, up to two overtime periods of five minutes are played.

• Should it still be tied after overtime, a penalty shootout similar to soccer determines the winner.

Key Regulations in Gameplay

• Only goalkeepers may enter the goal crease; violations result in disallowed goals or free throws awarded to opponents.

• A "7 metre throw" functions like a penalty kick if defenders infringe upon scoring opportunities within this area.

Fouls and Penalties

• Players receive yellow cards for initial fouls; repeated infractions lead to two-minute suspensions. A fourth foul results in ejection via red card.

Substitution Rules